Watch Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl

Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl is a historical comedy documentary series that premiered on HBO in 2006. It stars Robert Wuhl who is best known for his role as reporter Alexander Knox in the Tim Burton-directed 1989 film Batman. The show is set up as a classroom lecture, with Wuhl playing the part of a history teacher, complete with a blackboard and textbook. Each episode takes on a new topic in American history, and Wuhl breaks it down in his own unique, comedic way.

The first season of Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl takes on American history from the pre-colonial days up to World War II. Each episode features Wuhl covering a specific period of history, showcasing his humor, wit, and knowledge of the subject matter.

Wuhl starts each episode by establishing his credibility, noting that he majored in history in college and once taught a history class at the University of Southern California. He then goes on to dissect various historical myths and misconceptions, showing how pop culture and Hollywood have often distorted the true events.

For example, in the episode "The Pilgrims," Wuhl explains how the first Thanksgiving was not the happy, harmonious gathering between the pilgrims and Native Americans that we've been led to believe. Instead, he paints a picture of a brutal, violent time period where the survival of both groups was anything but guaranteed.

Wuhl uses a mix of historical facts and humorous anecdotes to highlight his points about each topic. He often references modern-day events and pop culture to bring the past to life and make it more relatable to viewers.

The second season of the show, which premiered in 2007, covers American history from the late 1940s to the present day. In this season, Wuhl tackles events such as the Cold War, the Civil Rights movement, and the rise of rock and roll.

One of the standout episodes from Season 2 is "The Cold War," where Wuhl breaks down the tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union in a way that is both informative and entertaining. He uses clips from classic films like Dr. Strangelove and The Hunt for Red October to illustrate the paranoia and fear that permeated American society during this time.

Throughout both seasons, Wuhl's goal is to make history interesting and accessible to a wider audience. He does this by presenting the material in a fun, irreverent way that keeps viewers engaged and entertained.

Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl is an excellent show for anyone who loves history or just appreciates a good laugh. It's a unique blend of education and entertainment that manages to be both informative and hilarious. Even if you don't think you're a history buff, Wuhl's humor and passion for the subject matter are sure to win you over.

Assume the Position with Mr. Wuhl is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between April 18, 2022 and on HBO